GiaQuinta statement on IEDC audit

Following the release of a forensic audit into the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), IEDC Foundation and its partners, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement:

"This is what happens when you don't have oversight. I like to be on the side of protecting Hoosier taxpayer dollars, always. Clearly the secrecy under which the IEDC has operated, which House Democrats questioned repeatedly, was not about maximizing economic development deals. Instead, it was about covering up the waste and excess of taxpayer dollars spent on lavish international travel, conflicts of interest and lack of competitive bidding on the LEAP project.

"Gov. Braun and the General Assembly must take on a deeper investigation of the far-reaching, questionable activities of the IEDC and look back further than 2022. It's hard to believe these ethical lapses only began in 2022. Hoosiers need to know more about the few elites who benefited from the IEDC's dealings and whether the law was broken. Many more questions need to be answered here before taxpayers have confidence in the IEDC's operations moving forward."

Bauer calls for oversight of new ICE detention center at Miami Correctional Facility

Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) announced that she has sent a formal letter to Governor Mike Braun requesting formalized legislative oversight authority for the new federal immigration detention center at Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill.

This week, the first 15 detainees were transferred to the state prison, with up to 100 expected by week's end and plans for as many as 1,000 in total. Indiana has already committed $16 million in state resources for fencing, staffing, and upgrades to support the arrangement. While the state will be reimbursed $291 per detainee per day, Bauer warned those payments are contingent on full bed use and may not cover the upfront or long-term costs to taxpayers.

"Indiana has never before housed such large populations of federal immigration detainees in its prisons," Bauer said. "Without clear safeguards, we risk detaining people without guaranteeing their constitutional rights, due process or humane treatment. At the same time, taxpayers are already on the hook for millions in up-front costs."

In the letter, Bauer noted that while the Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) requires compliance with National Detention Standards and permits unannounced inspections by ICE or federal oversight bodies, it does not explicitly grant authority for the Indiana General Assembly or legislative committees to conduct formal oversight tours or audit reports. She requested that the Governor clarify by executive directive or legislative order that such authority will be recognized, and that inspection findings be published to the state legislature.

Bauer also called on the Governor to ensure:

1. Confidential legal access and interpretation services for detainees.

2. Transparency through public reporting of detainee numbers, transfers, medical care and grievances.

3. Publication of the full IGSA and all attachments.

4. Protection of human dignity and safety through access to medical and mental health care, safe conditions and effective grievance procedures.

"Transparency, accountability and access to counsel are the minimum safeguards necessary to uphold Indiana's values and legal responsibilities," Bauer said. "Formalizing legislative oversight authority will ensure ongoing accountability as this facility expands."

Bauer emphasized that as a member of the Courts and Criminal Code Committee, she will continue to push for legislative oversight of the facility and has asked colleagues to support a hearing on the issue.

Porter comments on IEDC audit

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding FTI Consulting’s independent audit of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC):   

“I’m absolutely unsurprised by the information in the IEDC audit. The audit revealed what Democrats have stressed for almost three years. Secrecy and a blank check resulted in the exact outcome we expected, and we warned the majority over and over again. The IEDC is essentially an insider investment scheme that executives used to line their pockets and their buddies' pockets. 

“Multiple times I tried to remove IEDC requests from the State budget Committee (SBC) agendas, and each time it was voted down. We pushed for a decrease in IEDC funding in the state budget, and we proposed multiple pieces of legislation. 

“Republicans cannot claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility. They turned a blind eye to the IEDC, and the recent travel report shows they’ll use taxpayers' money for anything. Hoosiers paid $4,200 for a single helicopter trip and paid $56 for the governor’s two ice cream trips. 

“The audit is a good start, but it raises more questions. We need more details, and we need to know who was involved. Hoosiers had millions of their hard-earned dollars misappropriated when many families are taking on debt to stay afloat. This audit proves a disservice to the people of Indiana that deserves a deeper investigation.” 

Yoder, Pierce award Circle of Corydon posthumously to Andy Mahler

Tomorrow, Oct. 3, Andy Mahler will receive the Governor's Circle of Corydon award posthumously. Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) and State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) nominated Mahler for the award. Senator Yoder will present the award to his wife, Linda Lee, at the Heartwood Reunion, which celebrates the founding of the grassroots movement to protect the public forests of the central hardwood region of the North American continent.

Mahler was an activist, poet, musician, and builder who dedicated over 40 years of his life to Indiana’s outdoors. A Bloomington native, he founded multiple organizations centered on conservation, including Protect Our Woods, which saved the Hoosier National Forest from being clear-cut in the 1980s. Mahler passed away peacefully on Aug. 30 at his home in Paoli.

“Andy Mahler was a strategic and relentless advocate for Indiana’s natural resources,” said Yoder. “He understood that environmental stewardship is not just about preserving landscapes but about shaping the values that define a state. His work helped build durable protections, strengthen local communities and ensure that our shared environment is managed with both care and foresight. His legacy lives on in the forests he defended, the policies he shaped and the generations he inspired to lead with principle. I extend my heartfelt wishes to those who loved him and hope they find comfort in knowing his life’s work will continue to guide Indiana’s path forward.”

“Andy Mahler's legacy will live on in countless future generations who will enjoy the forests he dedicated his life to protecting," said Pierce. “From preserving the Hoosier National Forest to creating multiple advocacy organizations, he inspired so many people to join a movement that demonstrated the tremendous power of people working together for a common cause.” 

Mahler’s obituary can be found here. 

Andrade Honors Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana

On Sept. 27, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) honored the Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana (HHCCNI) with a proclamation recognizing its decades of service, leadership and dedication to uplifting Hispanic families across Lake County and the region.

Founded in 1993, HHCCNI has become a cornerstone of support for Northern Indiana’s Hispanic community. Through volunteerism, education, cultural pride and access to essential resources, the organization has strengthened families and expanded opportunities for generations.

Led by an all-volunteer board, including President Deborah Trevino, Vice President Jerame Hicks, Treasurer Joe Alamillo and Secretary Linda Padilla, HHCCNI has continued to grow its reach throughout Lake County. Signature programs such as the Latino Resource Fair, now in its 22nd year, connect more than 350 attendees with over 65 vendors and provide critical funding for scholarships.

In 2025, HHCCNI marked a milestone with the 9th annual scholarship banquet, awarding a record $32,000 to students across Northern Indiana. This achievement underscores the organization’s expanding impact, helping ensure the next generation of leaders has the tools to succeed.

Andrade released the following statement:

“For more than 30 years, HHCCNI has been building bridges by connecting families with housing, job training, healthcare and educational programs while celebrating our culture and heritage. Their work is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

“As a proud Latino representative, I recognize how essential organizations like HHCCNI are in celebrating our heritage and building pathways for future generations. They not only celebrate our heritage but also open doors for families to thrive. It is an honor to present this proclamation and to stand alongside them as they continue shaping a brighter future for our community.”

The proclamation celebrates HHCCNI’s commitment to cultural pride, equality and service, honoring the group’s leadership in advancing opportunity and strengthening Northern Indiana.

Porter comments on 2% growth cap on Indiana’s Medicaid appropriation

Last week, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced its intention to place a 2% growth cap on the state general fund appropriation for Medicaid in 2028. The appropriation for Indiana’s Medicaid program would only grow by around $100 million each year, far below the program's $2.1 billion increase in the 2023 biennium. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“No other state has a growth cap on its Medicaid appropriation. That’s because they’re not a viable solution. Uniform growth caps don't differentiate between necessary expansions and trimming the fat. 

“A cap on the growth of traditional Medicaid, not just the HIP expansion, goes back on Republicans' promises. They vowed to leave regular Medicaid alone when the One Big Ugly Bill reduced federal funding for HIP, which we leverage with hospital assessment fees and a portion of the cigarette tax.

“Limiting growth will directly reduce or outright eliminate services for those who need them the most: children, pregnant women, seniors and the disabled. We will have zero flexibility for additional enrollees, new services, to cover certain prescriptions or to match certain federal funds. Medical inflation is 3.3%, so we won’t even have the ability to cover the increased cost of our current program. 

“Cost-saving solutions should be discussed. But a growth cap can’t fix the real factors behind Medicaid’s expansion. There’s a greater need for affordable health care since our aging population is swelling, the number of households in poverty is growing and Hoosiers' overall health is poor.  

“Investments in public health would truly lower our Medicaid appropriation, but we slashed funding for that by $145 million. A growth cap on traditional Medicaid will have serious consequences for our families, especially when combined with the One Big Ugly Bill.”

OP-ED: Indiana Needs Solutions, Not Distractions

Title: Indiana Needs Solutions, Not Distractions

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 370

As culture wars continue to dominate politics, sound policy is taking a back seat. We’ve spent more time ushering in divisive rhetoric and stoking fears than positioning society to produce students ready to learn, responsible graduates prepared to enter the workforce, safeguarding citizens from rising costs and inflation, and ensuring the next generation of Hoosiers has a better state to call home.

At this moment, we must address rising energy costs, health care, housing, infrastructure and child care. Without focusing on these integral issues, we’re too easily distracted by trending topics on social media and the constant deluge of global stories that prevent us from focusing on our responsibility to ensure we have strong institutions that are funded and resourced to serve our communities. Building these community pillars allow the state to continue tackling the issues that affect Hoosiers’ lives. Our divisiveness will only lead us down a more dangerous path.

While many are distracted by the idea of a special session and the looming threat of redistricting, my focus remains on understanding the issues facing Indiana and solving them reasonably. I share the concern about how these temporary measures could impact our state, but I refuse to let them become my sole focus. There must be an emphasis on why these short-term moves are unnecessary and costly for Indiana - let alone for Southwest Indiana, where families and communities already shoulder more than their fair share of challenges. Without a clear goal to position our state as a growing place full of opportunity that is driven by our cost of living, health care systems, infrastructure, education and overall quality of life, we fail in our duties as elected officials to look out for the best interest of Indiana.

Working for the people, by the people is a privilege and an honor. In these tumultuous times, I encourage reflection and compassion when vitriol and hate are often spewed without a second thought. A divided democracy does not lift any one person up. Rather, it perpetuates the cycle of violence, poverty and disproportionate discrimination. Indiana's foundation is centered on the belief that tomorrow can be a better day and that change is around the corner, but only if we do so together.

Ford and Garcia Wilburn release statement on denial of vote centers in Hamilton County

State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Carmel) and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following joint statement after the Hamilton County Election Board failed to reach the unanimous vote needed to move to countywide vote centers for future elections:  

"We are disappointed with the result of yesterday's Hamilton County Election Board meeting, which struck down the possibility for Vote Centers in Hamilton County despite the measure being approved unanimously by both the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Council and receiving widespread public support. 

"Hamilton County families are busy people. From driving kids to soccer or band practice to commuting to work, it can be difficult for families to find the time to make it to their assigned polling place to cast their vote on Election Day, even though they know how important it is to be civically engaged.

“During the last primary election, Indiana ranked 50th in the nation for voter turnout. By advancing vote centers, Hamilton County would have been rolling out a proven method to make voting more accessible for all of those families who call Hamilton County home. 

"These are not new. Sixty-seven out of Indiana's 92 counties have adopted vote centers, and there is ongoing discussion to implement them statewide. 

"Furthermore, this move would have saved Hamilton County money in a time when our local governments are having to tighten their belts.  

"By allowing people to vote at any voting center in the county, Hamilton County would have reduced the number of needed polling centers from 235 to 57, reducing spending by thousands of dollars each election. Hamilton County is on the cutting edge of so many governmental reforms and programs, and we take pride in that fact. That's why it's disappointing to us that our community won’t benefit from this model that makes it easier for working families to make their voices heard during the 2026 elections. 

"We remain focused on finding ways to ensure secure, safe and free elections while also finding paths to increase turnout and accessibility." 

Porter criticizes use of state funds for the “Speedwy Slammer”

Today, Sept. 17, the State Budget Committee (SBC) allocated close to $15.8 million for the preparation of the so-called “Speedway Slammer.” The state will cover the cost with the expectation of reimbursement, but reimbursement is contingent on the availability of federal funds. Indiana will receive a per diem rate of $291 per person for 60 days from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) expects will cover its entire request. It’s currently unclear if the state will profit from the detention center or fall short of its expenditure. 

Last month, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) sent a letter to the IDOC questioning the cost of this partnership to Hoosier taxpayers. Porter made a motion to remove the appropriation from the agenda, but the motion failed.

“I feel like I’m stuck in the Twilight Zone,” Porter said. “Republicans continue to make baffling decisions that contradict reality. Indiana doesn't have money for this right now, and rebounding revenues and reimbursement don’t change that fact. We’re living in hard times, but you wouldn’t know it from the actions of the majority. 

“Our farmers face plummeting soybean sales from tariffs this harvest. Parents can’t afford pre-K and child care, and our state’s most vulnerable still sit on waitlists for health care services. But Indiana is going to cover the cost of a detention center. 

“That’s Republicans' financial priority. They couldn’t find the money to avoid cuts to social services, but they found the funds for this. Let’s not forget that DHS’s other facility, ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ has been accused of inhumane conditions and the mistreatment of detainees. 

“None of this matters to them since Trump will continue to get whatever he wants from the Braun administration.” 

Bipartisan Leaders Beau Baird and Victoria Garcia Wilburn Condemn Murder of Charlie Kirk, Call for End to Political Violence

State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), co-chairs of the Indiana Future Caucus, shared their united condemnation of the murder of activist and commentator Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah yesterday. The Indiana Future Caucus brings together bipartisan lawmakers 45 years of age and under.

The co-chairs released the following statement condemning the shooting and calling for civility:

“Political violence is never okay. Taking someone’s life is never an acceptable way to settle differences of opinion.

“Earlier this year, our bipartisan caucus spoke out against the tragic murder of a Democratic Minnesota state representative and her husband. Today, we unequivocally condemn the murder of Republican activist and commentator Charlie Kirk.

“As a nation, we must move beyond this horrifying trend of harming or killing those you disagree with and return to a culture of spirited debate and respect for different viewpoints. The Indiana Future Caucus represents the bright tomorrow we can create for Hoosiers — and political violence should not exist in that future.

“Our prayers are with Charlie’s wife Erika, his children, and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time.”

The Indiana Future Caucus connects Gen Z and millennial lawmakers committed to working across party lines to deliver results for their communities. Currently, 32 millennial lawmakers serve in the Indiana General Assembly.

A forthcoming release will share more details about the caucus’s recent leadership transition.

Pryor commends OUCC recommendation to deny AES hike

Today, Sept. 10, the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) issued its recommendations for the pending rate request from AES. The pending request would increase customers' bills anywhere between $21 and $30 per month if approved. After over 6,700 public comments were filed, the OUCC recommended that the request be denied, the company's return on equity be lowered to 8.5% and monthly customer service fees be reduced by $5.75.  

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

“Thank you to the OUCC for standing with Hoosiers who cannot afford higher utility bills.  Hoosier families should not have to choose between keeping their lights on and other needs. This is evidence of the power of the people and the importance of community. Our collective voice made an impact with thousands of Hoosiers standing up for their neighbors. On Aug. 25, I stood with my community and testified against these rate hikes, and I'm thankful for the OUCC for listening to what Hoosiers had to say.

“AES customers have watched their bills skyrocket over the past several years with little to show for it. Services have not improved, but the company’s investors continue to see their return on equity rise. AES has an ROE of 9.9%, the highest of any electric utility in the state, and its request would increase that number to 10.7%. Hoosiers should not be drowning in monthly costs to line the pockets of global investors. 

“I fully support the recommendations from the OUCC. This sends a clear message that the time for profit over people shouldn't rule the day.  Our voice was heard by OUCC, but ratepayers must keep pressure on the IURC to deny AES rate hike as well.” 

 The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing on Nov. 3, 2025. A final decision from the Commission is expected by the spring of 2026. 

Porter: ‘Share for the good of the people’

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, around 50 Republican members of the Indiana General Assembly visited the White House. Legislators discussed a wide range of policy topics, including Medicaid and Medicare, education, immigration and redistricting. Republican leadership attended a private meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Welcome back to Indiana. Several of you publicly mentioned that the purpose of your trip was to discuss policy, not redistricting. If so, share the information with your colleagues. Knowing the plans of the president will help us make the informed decisions that Hoosiers deserve.

“Maybe you can answer the questions I have with your insider knowledge. Any details on the fiscal plan for the so-called 'Speedway Slammer'? Are we opening a facility even though ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ has been under fire for its harsh conditions? 

“Did the administration promise not to play with funding for K-12 education? Will there be federal cuts to special education and disadvantaged student funding? Should Hoosiers expect to see the National Guard deployed in their cities? What should people do when their monthly payments skyrocket from the expiration of credits on the ACA exchange? 

“What about the impacts of the One Big Ugly Bill? What should Hoosiers do when Indiana loses revenue from Trump’s policies? Will they mess with funding for Medicare and will our seniors be affected? What are we going to do for our families who can’t afford child care? 

“As you can see, Hoosiers and I have a lot of questions that remain unanswered. Please share what you learned at the White House for the benefit of the people.”